These Strawberry Brownies are a fun twist on the classic dessert! Rich chocolate brownies are topped with sweet, fresh strawberries, making each bite extra yummy.
I love how the strawberries add a burst of fruity flavor to the fudgy brownies. They’re perfect for sharing at a picnic or just treating yourself at home. Enjoy with some ice cream on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Strawberry Puree: Fresh strawberries are great when in season, but frozen strawberries work perfectly too. Just thaw and blend them. If you can’t find strawberries, try using other fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist!
Unsalted Butter: I love using unsalted butter because it allows you to control the salt in your recipe. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with coconut oil or melted margarine. Just keep in mind the flavor might change slightly.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best for sweetness and texture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like erythritol, though the texture might be a bit different.
All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for structure! If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had good success with almond flour as well, but it may result in a denser brownie.
What’s the Best Way to Mix Your Ingredients Without Overmixing?
A key to achieving perfect brownies is gentle mixing. After you add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make them tough instead of soft and fudgy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a rubber spatula to fold in the flour mixture, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl.
- Stop mixing as soon as no dry flour remains visible; a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- This gentle approach keeps the brownies soft and chewy.
How to Make Strawberry Brownies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Brownies:
- 1 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries pureed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp milk
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for around 10 minutes of cooling time, plus additional time for the glaze to set before you can cut and serve. So altogether, expect it to take about 1 hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, let’s get your oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Then, get a 9×13 inch baking pan ready by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy brownie removal later on.
2. Mixing the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your strawberry puree, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a whisk or a large spoon to mix everything together until it’s well combined and looks nice and smooth.
3. Adding the Egg and Vanilla:
Crack the egg into the mixture and add the vanilla extract. Stir everything well until it’s smooth and creamy. This adds richness and flavor to your brownies!
4. Combining Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to go.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now, gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Go slowly and gently mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as we want those brownies to be soft and fudgy!
6. Pouring the Batter:
Pour your brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
7. Baking Time!
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them! To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready!
8. Making the Glaze:
While the brownies are baking, you can make the glaze! In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk. Mix until you have a smooth consistency. If it’s too thick, just add a tiny bit more milk until you reach your desired thickness.
9. Cooling the Brownies:
When the brownies are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Glazing and Serving:
Once the brownies are cool, drizzle your glaze over the top. Let it sit for a bit to set before cutting the brownies into squares. Enjoy your delicious, homemade strawberry brownies!
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Strawberry Puree?
Absolutely! You can blend fresh strawberries until smooth to create your own puree. Just make sure to measure out 1 cup after blending. If the strawberries are very juicy, you may want to reduce the amount of other liquids slightly to keep the brownie texture just right!
What Can I Substitute for Unsalted Butter?
If you don’t have unsalted butter, you can use an equal amount of coconut oil or vegetable oil instead. For a non-dairy option, try using a vegan butter substitute or applesauce for a lower-fat option, though this may slightly change the texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Brownies?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months! Just wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Brownies?
Yes! If you prefer a less sweet brownie, feel free to reduce the granulated sugar by a quarter to a half cup. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, but the brownies will still be delicious!
